Health Department of Illinois Revises Guidance on Fish Caught from Local Water Bodies
Here's a revised, informal, and straightforward version of the article:
Hey there! The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has unleashed its anual update on fish advisories for the state's waterways. You know, like the Illinois River, Fox River, Lake DePue, and Bureau Creek.
IDPH keeps a Fish Advisory Map that includes consumption advisories for water bodies across the state. These advisories tell you how frequently you can chow down on certain types of fish without triggering potential health issues.
Remember, there ain't no immediate health danger from munching on contaminated fish from any Illinois waterway. But long-term exposure to PCBs is a cause for concern, and these chemicals are common in various fish species living in Starved Rock Country.
Channel catfish, carp, and bass of certain sizes, particularly, have been found with PCBs in Illinois and Fox rivers, Lake DePue, and Bureau Creek.
Long-term consumption of PCB-tainted fish from these areas may lead to liver damage, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, cancer (especially liver and breast cancers), and developmental issues in children. So, beware!
Though the sources don't mention specific species for Starved Rock Country rivers, the IDPH guidelines generally apply to sport fish that accumulate PCBs and PFAS through bioaccumulation. Common culprits in other regions include carp (high-fat tissue retains PCBs), catfish (bottom-feeding increases toxin exposure), and largemouth bass (top predators concentrate contaminants).
The state advises keeping fish consumption in check from affected waterways, focusing on long-term risks over sudden threats. For Lake DePue and Bureau Creek, similar precautions might be in order, though specific 2025 advisories for these waters are not detailed in the available results.
To minimize risks, consider using a water filter, steer clear of non-stick cookware, opt for smaller, younger fish (fewer contaminants), and consult Illinois’ 2025 consumption guidelines for meal frequency limits. Pregnant individuals and children should exercise extra caution due to heightened developmental risks.
Curious about the interactive fish-advisory map? Click here to find out more!
In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has warned about the presence of PCBs in various fish species from water bodies like the Illinois River, Fox River, Lake DePelle, and Bureau Creek. Despite no immediate health danger, long-term consumption of PCB-tainted fish can lead to liver damage, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, cancer, especially liver and breast cancers, and developmental issues in children.
Channel catfish, carp, and bass, particularly those of certain sizes, have been found with PCBs in designated Illinois waterways. Similarly, sport fish that accumulate PCBs and PFAS through bioaccumulation in Starved Rock Country rivers should be approached with caution.
Long-term consumption of these fish may increase one's risk for a variety of health issues, such as liver damage, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, cancer, and developmental issues in children. Pregnant individuals and children should exercise extra caution due to heightened developmental risks.
The state advises limiting fish consumption from affected waterways,such as Lake DePue and Bureau Creek, and following the IDPH's 2025 consumption guidelines for meal frequency limits and other safety precautions.
For a more detailed look into the IDPH's fish advisories, explore their interactive map by clicking here.
